Canvey-based Concord Rangers continue to fly the Foresters Essex Senior League flag in magnificent style in the FA Carlsberg Vase following an extra-time thriller at Thames Road.

Rangers, having earned a replay at previous winners Diss Town with a Greg Vallelly injury-time goal on Saturday, won Tuesday night's first round proper replay 3-2.

After a goalless first-half, Concord took the lead through Glenn Hobden after 60 minutes.

Joynson put the Jewson League visitors on terms 11 minutes later, but there was no stopping manager Steve Knott's Concord high-fliers in the extra half-hour.

Hobden made it 2-0 from 25 yards after 95 minutes and Rangers' passage looked safe once Danny Heale - son of legendary former local soccer striker Billy - grabbed a third after 104 minutes.

Diss, to their credit, refused to throw in the towel and reduced the deficit to one goal after 108 minutes, but it was Concord who defiantly won through to earn a second round proper trip to Sussex County League Selsey on Saturday November 10.

In that tie Rangers, like Great Wakering Rovers who will be at home to Minerva Spartan South Midlands League opposition in the shape of London Colney, will be up against a side who have yet to be beaten in domestic football this season.

Said delighted Concord secretary Eddie Crace: "This is a magnificent historic night for the club - we've never been so far in the Vase - and it's great to be continuing as the last Senior League club left in the competition."

Concord's biggest worry now, after 120 gruelling minutes on a heavy pitch following the heavy rain over the weekend and on Monday night, is how to get their weary troops back into action for a home Essex Senior Cup second round tie on Thursday night.

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